Francheska Velazquez
Play to Learn Childcare
The Backstory
Beth Iovinelli, a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience specializing in maternal and child health, has dedicated her entire career to supporting mothers and infants during one of the most vulnerable periods in their lives. As a board-certified lactation consultant, she has worked across hospitals, pediatric practices, and breastfeeding clinics—gaining insight into the challenges new mothers face and identifying a critical need for consistent, supportive care.
Recognizing a gap in maternal healthcare, Beth took a bold step and founded Milk Street Lactation and Wellness Support Center, a lactation and maternal wellness clinic focused on equipping new mothers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need. Since opening its doors two and a half years ago, Milk Street has become a vital community resource, offering compassionate, evidence-based support to families. Beth’s entrepreneurial journey was fueled in part by her deep passion for empowering women during the postpartum period, but it was WBDC that gave her the structure, strategy, and support to turn her vision into a sustainable business.
Recognizing a gap in maternal healthcare, Beth took a bold step and founded Milk Street Lactation and Wellness Support Center, a lactation and maternal wellness clinic focused on equipping new mothers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need. Since opening its doors two and a half years ago, Milk Street has become a vital community resource, offering compassionate, evidence-based support to families. Beth’s entrepreneurial journey was fueled in part by her deep passion for empowering women during the postpartum period, but it was WBDC that gave her the structure, strategy, and support to turn her vision into a sustainable business.
How Women's Business Development Council Helped
Early in her business journey, Beth connected with WBDC and enrolled in the GPS (Guide to Plan for Success) course. Like many new entrepreneurs, she hadn’t yet developed a formal business plan. The GPS program guided her through the step-by-step process of writing a plan, helping her gain clarity on her goals, finances, and long-term strategy.
“The GPS class changed everything,” Beth shares. “It gave me the tools to understand my business differently and helped me move from scribbling ideas on paper to strategic, confident planning.”
WBDC’s support didn’t stop there. After completing the GPS course, Beth was awarded a WBDC Launchpad Grant, which helped fund early-stage marketing efforts and boost the visibility of Milk Street. This grant played a crucial role in attracting new clients and solidifying the clinic’s presence in the community.
Building on that momentum, she applied for and received a WBDC Ignite Grant, which allowed her to dream even bigger. Initially requesting a smaller amount, Beth was encouraged by WBDC staff to revise her application to request the full amount available—guidance that led to a more robust plan and ultimately, greater impact.
With the funding from Ignite Grant, Milk Street is now producing high-quality educational videos to expand access to vital maternal health information. These videos will allow the clinic to reach more mothers, generate alternative revenue streams, and scale the business sustainably.
“Applying for the Ignite grant really pushed me to think strategically about the future of Milk Street. The process made me evaluate every aspect of the business—and the funding has made a huge difference.”
Beyond funding and training, Beth emphasizes the emotional and professional encouragement she received from WBDC staff. “Every interaction with WBDC leaves me feeling stronger. They’re there not just with resources, but with real encouragement at the moments when business owners need it most. They gave me confidence when I doubted myself and helped me believe that I could grow Milk Street into what I always dreamed it could be.” Beth strongly recommends the GPS course for anyone starting—or even operating—a small business without a solid plan. She also encourages others to consider applying for WBDC’s grants, acknowledging the time and effort involved but emphasizing the profound payoff. “Taking the GPS course gave me a foundation I didn’t even realize I was missing. And applying for the Ignite Grant made me more strategic and intentional about how I run my business. WBDC doesn’t just provide funds, they make sure you’re equipped to use them wisely.” Today, Milk Street continues to grow and has plans for expansion, including the potential opening of a second location. With WBDC’s support, Beth transformed a personal passion into a thriving business that uplifts families and strengthens the community—one mother, one baby, one milestone at a time.
“The GPS class changed everything,” Beth shares. “It gave me the tools to understand my business differently and helped me move from scribbling ideas on paper to strategic, confident planning.”
WBDC’s support didn’t stop there. After completing the GPS course, Beth was awarded a WBDC Launchpad Grant, which helped fund early-stage marketing efforts and boost the visibility of Milk Street. This grant played a crucial role in attracting new clients and solidifying the clinic’s presence in the community.
Building on that momentum, she applied for and received a WBDC Ignite Grant, which allowed her to dream even bigger. Initially requesting a smaller amount, Beth was encouraged by WBDC staff to revise her application to request the full amount available—guidance that led to a more robust plan and ultimately, greater impact.
With the funding from Ignite Grant, Milk Street is now producing high-quality educational videos to expand access to vital maternal health information. These videos will allow the clinic to reach more mothers, generate alternative revenue streams, and scale the business sustainably.
“Applying for the Ignite grant really pushed me to think strategically about the future of Milk Street. The process made me evaluate every aspect of the business—and the funding has made a huge difference.”
Beyond funding and training, Beth emphasizes the emotional and professional encouragement she received from WBDC staff. “Every interaction with WBDC leaves me feeling stronger. They’re there not just with resources, but with real encouragement at the moments when business owners need it most. They gave me confidence when I doubted myself and helped me believe that I could grow Milk Street into what I always dreamed it could be.” Beth strongly recommends the GPS course for anyone starting—or even operating—a small business without a solid plan. She also encourages others to consider applying for WBDC’s grants, acknowledging the time and effort involved but emphasizing the profound payoff. “Taking the GPS course gave me a foundation I didn’t even realize I was missing. And applying for the Ignite Grant made me more strategic and intentional about how I run my business. WBDC doesn’t just provide funds, they make sure you’re equipped to use them wisely.” Today, Milk Street continues to grow and has plans for expansion, including the potential opening of a second location. With WBDC’s support, Beth transformed a personal passion into a thriving business that uplifts families and strengthens the community—one mother, one baby, one milestone at a time.
Website
Location
21 1st St, Norwalk, CT 06855-2306
Contact Phone
(203) 451-1481